Lumber Export to China highest in over 10 years

US Softwood lumber exports rose to 984 million board feet in 2011, the highest volume since 1997. China overtook Canada as the biggest export country. Export volume to China nearly tripled to 411 million board feet, the highest total ever.

The strong gains in export sales have helped US producers soften the impact of the prolonged decline in domestic and Canadian demand. Many parts of Asia including India and Taiwan are experiencing a healthy increase in lumber demand from the US, with India becoming the fastest growing market for US lumber.